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A Multi-detection Assay for Malaria Transmitting Mosquitoes
Published on: February 28, 2015
Polymorphism patterns in Duffy-binding protein among Thai Plasmodium vivax isolates.
Panita Gosi1, Srisin Khusmith, Thareerat Khalambaheti
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. panitag@afrims.org
Malaria Journal
|June 28, 2008
Summary
Genetic diversity in Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein II (PvDBPII) domain II was analyzed in Thai isolates. High nonsynonymous polymorphism and evidence of positive selection suggest immune evasion and inform vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- The Duffy-binding protein II of Plasmodium vivax (PvDBPII) is a vaccine target but exhibits high polymorphism.
- Domain II of PvDBP shows significant nonsynonymous polymorphism, potentially aiding immune evasion.
- Understanding genetic diversity in PvDBPII is crucial for effective malaria vaccine design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of genetic polymorphisms in the PvDBPII gene domain II.
- To identify instances of positive natural selection within this domain.
- To analyze the genetic diversity of Thai Plasmodium vivax isolates.
Main Methods:
- PCR amplification and sequencing of the PvDBPII gene from 30 Thai P. vivax isolates.
- Analysis of polymorphism patterns using DNA cloning and sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis and positive selection assessment with DnaSP and MEGA software.
Main Results:
- High rates of nonsynonymous polymorphism were observed, with 25 nonsynonymous and 5 synonymous mutations identified.
- Five amino acid residues (D384G, R390H, L424I, W437R, I503K) showed the highest polymorphism frequency.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed six distinct allele groups, with two unique to Thailand, indicating significant genetic diversity and selective pressure.
Conclusions:
- Thai P. vivax isolates exhibit considerable genetic diversity in the PvDBPII gene.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows distinct alleles shared with international isolates, highlighting geographical variations.
- Findings are valuable for developing a PvDBPII-based malaria vaccine.
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